Live Review: Thirty Seconds To Mars – Seasons Tour – The O2 Arena, London

Thirty Seconds To Mars made a sensational return to the UK, kicking off their massive arena tour at London’s O2 Arena with an unforgettable performance. The evening began with the captivating Jagwar Twin, who immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention, cigarette in hand, as he began his set with a soft, melodic serenade. His performance quickly ramped up in energy, pulling the audience in with his charismatic stage presence and encouraging them to sway along with the music. By the end of his set, the audience was roaring with approval, perfectly primed for the headliners.

As anticipation built, a countdown clock appeared on the screen, heightening the excitement. When the clock hit thirty seconds, the spotlight shifted to the side of the arena where Thirty Seconds To Mars were seated among their fans, ready to begin the show. This unique approach showcased the band’s strong connection with their audience, emphasizing the mutual appreciation and trust.

Jared and Shannon Leto took the stage with an energy that placed the crowd’s enjoyment front and centre. The concert officially launched with ‘Up in the Air’, complete with an extended bridge and a dazzling display of confetti and sparklers. This was followed by the powerful ‘Kings and Queens’, featuring an extended intro and the 2015 ending, which kept the energy soaring.

The setlist was a masterful blend of old and new tracks, rock anthems, and alt-pop tunes, ensuring there was something for everyone. ‘Walk on Water’ and ‘Rescue Me’, the latter with an extended intro and fans joining the stage, were standout moments that electrified the crowd. The new track ‘Seasons’ brought a fresh country flair, while ‘Hail to the Victor’ and ‘Hurricane’ added to the intensity. ‘This Is War’ provided a head-banging highlight, making it a memorable night.

Midway through the concert, the band introduced an acoustic section, beginning with the chorus of ‘Never Not Love You’. This was followed by ‘Great Wide Open’ and ‘End of All Days’, where Jared humorously forgot some of the lyrics, adding a personal touch to the performance. The acoustic interlude continued with ‘From Yesterday’, wrapping up the unplugged segment before the band returned to their full electric sound.

The full band performance resumed with a string of fan favourites, including ‘Stay’, ‘Night of the Hunter’, ‘A Beautiful Lie’, ‘Attack’, ‘City of Angels’, ‘Stuck’, and ‘The Kill (Bury Me)’. Each song was delivered with the same raw energy and passion that Thirty Seconds To Mars is known for.

Jared Leto commanded the stage with an authentic and magnetic presence, effortlessly delivering powerful and emotional vocals. His unique hair-covered shirt added a quirky element to his dynamic performance. The visual effects, though sometimes minimal, perfectly complemented the band’s raw and energetic show. The stage setup was simple, with ample space for the band’s instruments and a small platform for Jared to jump on, emphasizing the ‘madness’ they intended to create.

A standout moment came early in the set during ‘Rescue Me’, when Jared invited a group of fans onstage, their joy radiating throughout the arena. This level of fan interaction and the band’s willingness to adapt the setlist on the fly showcased their deep appreciation for their audience. The concert concluded with ‘Closer to the Edge’, as nearly a hundred fans joined the band onstage, creating an unforgettable and euphoric finale.

In summary, Thirty Seconds To Mars delivered a night filled with high-energy performances, heartfelt connections, and genuine fan engagement, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. The band’s ability to mix spontaneity with a carefully curated setlist made for a truly memorable concert experience.